PCG deploys ROV in search for missing sabungeros

On the sixth day of the search and retrieval operations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to aid in the recovery of missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts, in Taal Lake, Laurel, Batangas.

According to a female PCG officer who declined to be identified, this is the first time an ROV has been used in the operation, primarily to test its efficiency.

"Paang testing lang kung saan po siya na maganda 'yung elevation na hindi nabubulabog yung seabed," she told the media Tuesday afternoon following the second dive.

"Ang initial na vision, of course, nabubulabog siya. So kelangan i-test kung anong elevation 'yan," she added.

She explained that the ROV is being used to scan the entire dive area and potentially locate the remains of the missing sabungeros.

"Para na rin yung aming mga divers hindi sila throughout ang magpe-perform ng diving," she said.

She noted that bad weather and strong currents remain challenges for the technical divers. It rained in Batangas that afternoon.

"Yung weather talaga saka yung tubig mas lalong lalabo," she added.

The ROV, equipped with lights and a camera, can lift objects weighing up to 10 kilograms and operate underwater for up to four hours—far longer than divers, who typically last a little over an hour underwater.

On Sunday, the PCG released underwater footage of their operations in Taal Lake, showing divers navigating murky water, strong currents, and the lake’s depth.

A total of 34 sabungeros were reported missing between 2021 and 2022. They were allegedly kidnapped and killed due to match-fixing in cockfighting games.

So far, the PCG has failed to recover suspected human remains in the ongoing search after four dive attempts.